Transcript of prepared remarks delivered by Troy Mayor Patrick Madden during a promotion ceremony for Assistant Police Chief Brian Owens at the Italian Community Center on Thursday, December 7, 2017.

“Since coming into office I have had the great honor of administering the oath in a handful of promotion ceremonies. They’re terrific events. The candidate and his or her family beaming with pride about their accomplishment, excited – and sometimes nervous – about the new chapter they are starting in their career. The focus is clearly on the candidate and the pride and joy we feel for them.

“Promotion to the Chief’s rank, however, takes on an added dimension. Not that we are not proud and happy for Captain Owens; we certainly are. But promotions of this magnitude portend change and growth for the department as well.

“As we bring the next generation into the leadership rank we bring in new perspectives, new thinking, new approaches, and new experiences that will shape the department for years to come. The art of policing has changed much over the past 20 years and that pace of change shows no signs of abating.

“It is by way of this promotion that we catalyze the efficacy of the Troy Police Department into the future. It is by way of this promotion that we maintain and build upon our reputation as a stellar police department.

“So while we are all delighted for and proud of Captain Owens, today’s promotion also focuses our attention on the department as a whole and our hopes and aspirations for its future. We will embrace the perspective that Captain Owens brings to the role of Assistant Chief.

“Captain Owens, today you will assume the role of Assistant Police Chief. The position carries with it immense responsibility. The entire department will be looking to you for support and guidance. You will make significant sacrifice – as will your family – in terms of stress and hours at the office. For this I offer the collective gratitude of all of the citizens of Troy.

“You have been preparing for this responsibility your entire life. Every sacrifice you made, every responsibility you undertook, every course, training and certification you completed, led you to this day.

“You were chosen for this position in part because of your intelligence and fair mindedness. But mostly you were chosen for this position because of our utmost trust in your integrity and our confidence in your leadership abilities.

“Today, as Assistant Chief you begin writing the future of the Troy Police Department.”